Lincoln MKS Ballast Resistor Replacement at your home or office.

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Ballast Resistor Replacement Service

How much does a Ballast Resistor Replacement cost?

On average, the cost for a Lincoln MKS Ballast Resistor Replacement is $486 with $325 for parts and $161 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2013 Lincoln MKSV6-3.7LService typeBallast Resistor ReplacementEstimate$845.02Shop/Dealer Price$1037.16 - $1546.63
Show example Lincoln MKS Ballast Resistor Replacement prices

What is the Ballast Resistor all about?

Modern ignition systems use electronic circuitry to control voltage during engine starting and operation, but it wasn’t always this way. Older vehicles with points and coils did not have the benefit of circuit boards and computers, so another way to control voltage was needed. The ballast resistor coil was the solution. Think of it as a giant fuse in a way, although it serves a much greater purpose.

The ballast resistor coil plays several roles in your engine and charging system. In terms of position, it’s located between the ignition switch and the positive battery cable. During engine operation, the ballast resistor is responsible for lowering voltage applied to the coil to ensure that it doesn’t overheat and burn out, or damage the battery. During cranking, the ballast resistor allows normal battery voltage into the coil to ensure a good, strong spark for starting the engine.

The ballast resistor is subjected to significant amounts of heat during operation (the resistor’s resistance level increases or decreases with the application of heat and voltage). Over time, it will eventually wear out and need to be replaced.

Keep in mind:

  • The ballast resistor is not inspected during normal maintenance.
  • The ballast resistor is subject to significant amounts of wear and tear.
  • Ballast resistors are not generally found on fuel-injected engines.

How it's done:

  • The Ballast Resistor is verified that it needs to be replaced. The battery and battery tray are removed.
  • The defective Ballast Resistor disconnected and removed.
  • The new Ballast Resistor is installed, secured, and connected.
  • The battery tray and battery are reinstalled. The Ballast Resistor is tested for operation.
  • The vehicle is tested to ensure proper operation of the Ballast Resistor and road tested to ensure fan operation.

Our recommendation:

Over time and through normal use, the ballast resistor is subject to a great deal of wear and tear, and heat. This can cause it to fail unexpectedly. When this happens, your vehicle will experience unwanted, and perhaps dangerous, operation. It may crank but then stop running immediately after. Have any starting problems immediately diagnosed by one of our expert mechanics.

What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Ballast Resistor?

  • Engine cranks, but dies immediately when the key is moved back to the run position from the start position

How important is this service?

Without a ballast resistor, your engine will not operate unless you jump the resistor, which is dangerous, as it will eventually burn out the points, and is not recommended. If your engine dies immediately after turning the key back to run from start, likely the ballast resistor needs to be replaced. If the engine runs with the key in the run position, you may have another issue. Have it properly diagnosed by one of our expert mechanics immediately.

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Meet some of our expert Lincoln mechanics

Real customer reviews from Lincoln owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(53)

Rating Summary
47
4
0
1
1
47
4
0
1
1

Justin

8 years of experience
372 reviews
Justin
8 years of experience
Lincoln MKS V6-3.7L - Battery - Boca Raton, Florida
Very good

Andrew

11 years of experience
354 reviews
Andrew
11 years of experience
Lincoln MKS V6-3.7L - Car has bouncy and unstable ride - Elkridge, Maryland
Good

Michael

27 years of experience
516 reviews
Michael
27 years of experience
Lincoln MKS V6-3.5L Turbo - Battery Terminal Ends - Mesa, Arizona
I had wonderful service. Quick and easy. Originally came out to replace battery. Then ended up need new battery terminal too. Got me running and came out a few days later and replaced the terminal. I’m out of state away from my husband and was very nervous not knowing anything. But I was well taken care of. Thanks so much. Will absolutely use again if I need anything.

Breck

20 years of experience
681 reviews
Breck
20 years of experience
Lincoln MKS V6-3.7L - Car is not starting Inspection - Tomball, Texas
Extremely polite and easy to talk to and ask questions. Got my car running again in a flash!

Excellent Rating

(53)

Rating Summary
47
4
0
1
1
47
4
0
1
1
Number of Lincoln MKS services completed
583+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Lincoln MECHANICS
700+
experts on our platform

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